Increasing the time of the yellow light at traffic signals reduces the overall number of crashes at intersections.

October 3, 2012

ALBUQUERQUE— Increasing the time of the yellow light at traffic signals reduces the overall number of crashes at intersections. That’s according to a year-long UNM study just finalized and released to Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry.

The purpose of the study, conducted by the UNM Institute for Social Research, was to determine the impact of the traffic signal timing changes on crashes. The study reviewed 20 of the former red light camera intersections, and 38 comparison intersections.

"Keeping the public safe has always been my top priority," Mayor Berry said. "We targeted the 20 most notorious intersections in the city and these engineering fixes have continued to show an overall reduction in crashes."

The study shows an approximate 8% reduction in crashes overall at the intersections where there was an increase in yellow light times. The study compared the 20 intersections from January to November 2010 to January to November 2011.

"Public Safety is paramount to Mayor Berry, and this study shows us how we can increase safety at these intersections,” Department of Municipal Development Director Michael Riordan said. "We will be reviewing the 38 comparison intersections to determine where more timing changes could be utilized to further enhance safety."